The Dallas Cowboys released DeMarcus Ware, the franchise's all-time sacks leader, as the team seeks to cure a horrid salary-cap situation.

The Star-Telegram's Clarence Hill was the first report the move Tuesday afternoon.

The Cowboys entered the new NFL year -- which began at 4 p.m. on Tuesday -- with only $1.073 million under the $133 million cap, according to spotrac.com. Before Ware's release, that was the worst cap position in the league.

Ware, who is coming off elbow surgery, had a cap figure of $16 million in 2014. The Cowboys are saving about $7.5 million in cap space when dead money is figured in by parting ways with Ware.

The Cowboys had reportedly attempted to work with Ware 31, to renegotiate his deal.

“A decision like this, involving a man who is a cornerstone player in the history of your franchise, is extremely difficult,” said Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones in a club statement per the Star-Telegram. “After meeting this afternoon, DeMarcus and I agreed on an understanding that would allow him to explore the options he will have for the 2014 season and beyond. We were also in very strong agreement that playing for the Dallas Cowboys would be one of the options we would both be exploring.

“DeMarcus Ware, through his performance on the field and his outstanding character, is someone who is held in the highest regard within the Dallas Cowboys family. He is worthy of our greatest respect, and we want what is best for him and his family.”

Ware, who had been hobbled by injuries in recent seasons, had a career-low six sacks in 2013, none of which came against the New York Giants in the two meetings of the NFC East clubs.

Giants interest: The Giants could be looking for a more forceful pass rush, even if they retain defensive end Justin Tuck.

Eagles interest: The Eagles could show some interest if Ware moved to defensive end in the team's 3-4 defense. But Ware may not come cheap.

Jets interest: The Jets do have a plenty of cap space and run a 4-3 Ware is accustomed to. But, again, the price tag could be too high.